RE: RE: Alaska Oil Play Hi Glacierman:
I don't think the water sources are going to a limiting factor for either play. Both have access to large bodies of surface wate: either lakes or rivers.
I think the problem will be how are they going to dispose of the fracturing fluid that flows back when they produce the well? This is the stuff that contains all the nasty stuff. It not only contains the frac chemicals, it also contains stuff from the shale and oil. As a result, it can contain stuff like benzene and low grade radioactive components that are contained in the rock. This is the same as for vertical fracturing, but the volumes of water are much, much larger.
The following is the most balanced video I have seen on fracturing. I beleive the bottom line on fracturing is that the technology is available for it to be done safely. However, that does not mean that it will be done properly. There needs to be strict regulations on how wells are designed and completed or the pressure to cut costs will be too much for oil companies to resist. Even in the best of circumstances there are f...k ups. Cars are safe, but there are accidents and the folks in Alaska and the CMV are going to have to decide if the economic benefits are worth the occassional mess. Texas, Alberta and BC have decided that the answer is YES.
One of the big factors in the eastern USA where most the problems have occured is that the area is densily populated. I am not sure that I would want a well in my back yard. However, one 10 miles away I would be fine with.
https://video.mpt.tv/video/2229405982/